2014 Haut Medoc, Medoc Tasting Notes, Ratings, Reviews

All 2014 Haut Medoc wines are not created like. The level of quality and style are not capable of being consistent, due to the massive size of the appellation. Keep in mind that Haut Medoc has close to 4,200 hectares under vine. When you factor in the wines that carry the Medoc designation as well, (as those wines are also included in this report) things get more complicated as the Medoc is also quite large. The amount of rain and the ability of the different terroirs to handle the water, as well as dry periods varies considerably from vineyard to vineyard. With that consideration, naturally, the quality and character of the wines are going to be quite variable as well.

However, in the best terroir, due to the gravel soils and the level of ripeness achieved with the Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014 Haut Medoc and 2014 Medoc wines, both of which are featured in this report offer some of the best values wines from the 2014 Bordeaux vintage. For a more detailed summary on the 2014 Haut Medoc vintage, harvest and growing season, as well as a look at the rest of the 2014 Bordeaux vintage please see: 2014 Bordeaux Detailed Harvest and Vintage Summary

2014 can be a good year to selectively purchase Cru Bourgeoisie and other wines from the Haut Medoc, for that very reason. Due to time constraints, I was only able to taste so many wines. In a vintage where the Cabernet Sauvignon shines, there are perforce several other wines from the Medoc I was unable to taste that are worth considering, if the prices are fair. There is no immediate need to buy those wines En Primeur, but when they reach the stores in bottle, savvy consumers could have an ocean of well-priced Cabernet Sauvignon based, Left Bank Bordeaux wines to choose from. Chateau Sociando Mallet was the first of the well-known wines from the Haut Medoc to offer their 2014 vintage. The wine was priced ex-negociant at 18 Euros, which is the same price they sold their 2013 at. Was retaining prices at the same level of the much worse, and maligned 2013 vintage enough to spark interest? It’s still too early to know. That was followed by 2014 La Lagune which was offered at 29 Euros Ex Negociant. La Lagune did not offer their 2013 for sale En Primeur. But to give you an idea on how their 2014 was priced against their 2012, it was a reduction of 17% which should send a positive signal to the marketplace. Most of the chateaux are getting ready to start releasing their 2014 wines for sale. I can only hope that other chateau take notice of what is truly happening in the marketplace.

2014 Belle-Vue – Soft tannins and a spicy, floral and ripe nose are coupled with fresh, smoky black cherries in the finish. This should be quite tasty on release. The wine was made from a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 22% Petit Verdot and reached 13.5% alcohol. 89-91 Pts

2014 d’Agassac – Offering sweet black cherries and earth, this wine is forward, soft, medium bodied and approachable, with a splash of spicy cassis and fresh berries in the end note. 87-90 Pts

2014 Fourcas Borie – With licorice, chocolate and boysenberry on the nose, this wine has good color and soft, sweet notes of ripe, round, spicy fruits. It is hard to find a better Medoc wine for this small amount of money. 89-91 Pts

2014 Goulee by Cos d’Estournel was produced from a blend of 78% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc. With licorice and black cherry notes, the forward yet approachable wine is soft, sweet and already surprisingly earthy. It will be best young. 88-89 Pts

2014 Greysac – Forward but easy to drink, this medium-bodied wine is without faults or complications. 83-85 Pts

2014 Les Grand Chenes – Lush, soft and polished, this wine is loaded with sweet fruits and a hint of jam with a big slash of espresso and vanilla in the fleshy finish. 87-89 Pts

2014 Mauvesin Barton – Light in color, the wine has a fresh, bright red cherry and cranberry character that will be best in its youth. 86-87 Pts

2014 Potensac – From a blend of 40% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.25% alcohol. Offering notes of cassis and earth, this structured, tannic, powerful, masculine shows a firm, classic tannic profile that with a large amount of Merlot in the blend, will demand time in the cellar. 88-90 Pts

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